Fluid-structure interaction

World-renowned expertise to control your flow-related vibration problems

01

Anticipate and prevent the risk of fatigue failure

Vibrations in piping systems can lead to premature fatigue and even rupture. It is therefore essential to control this problem in order to minimize the risks involved.

02

Reduce noise levels

Valves regulating liquids and gases with high pressure drops can contribute significantly to ambient noise levels. This noise can cause problems in the process, present safety hazards to personnel or lead to costly repairs.

03

Reduce vibration levels

21% of hydrocarbon leaks worldwide are due to vibration fatigue problems. In addition to environmental risks, other types of leak can create situations that are hazardous to human safety.

Vibrations can lead to pipe line cracking and premature damage to components attached to the piping. This means heavy maintenance, production losses or stoppages. A true understanding of the phenomena involved is essential to anticipate and prevent these risks. Vibratec’s world-class expertise can help you master your piping vibration problems.

Vibratec intervenes at all stages of design and operation to anticipate vibration problems.

Using finite element calculations, Vibratec can propose structural modifications (support beam modification, local reinforcements) and/or fixation points (anti-vibration mounts, etc.). Vibratec also carries out acoustic studies of equipment to reduce noise levels.

Acoustic Induced Vibrations (AIV)

These studies are used to assess the risk of fatigue failure in pipelines subjected to acoustic excitation. Acoustic excitation is generated at valves and pressure reduction devices, and propagates downstream in the piping. These phenomena can coincide with pipe ovalization modes and generate significant stresses at line discontinuities.

Flow Induced Vibration or Turbulence (FIV / FIT)

Depending on operating conditions, fluid flow in piping systems can generate turbulence, which can lead to significant vibration levels and premature damage to the piping system and attached components. It is therefore essential to identify the critical lines in the plant.

Flow Induced Pulsations / Vortex Induced Vibrations (FIP / VIV)

Acoustic resonances can be excited in “dead branches” of pipes by fluid flow (FIP). Flow around singularities causes vortices to form at specific frequencies. In the case of sensors inserted in the flow (e.g. temperature probes), the vortex frequency does not have to match the probe’s natural frequency (VIV). Methods can be employed to minimize the risk of fatigue breakage for both types of phenomenon.

Pulsation

Some components generate pulsations that can propagate through the pipe network. These pulsations can be amplified by acoustic and/or mechanical resonances in the piping system, placing excessive stress on the structure. Vibratec carries out finite element and pulsation studies (in accordance with API 618 and API 674) to predict and optimize these vibration levels.

Case studies

Explore our case studies to discover the tailor-made solutions we have created for some of our clients.

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Fluid-structure interaction

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